It's time for a European victory.

Exactly two decades ago, Montenegrin society chose state independence and thereby assumed full responsibility for its development. It was precisely this conviction that guided me on May 21, 2006, when I contributed with my voice to Montenegro's independent and courageous move forward.

A significant part of the citizens, including some of the people closest to me, thought differently, which was their democratic right. I knew then, as I know today: Montenegro belongs equally to all of us and all of us equally belong to Montenegro. Twenty years later, an independent Montenegro is a common value shared by the vast majority of our citizens.

When we look back at the years behind us, we see a path filled with challenges, but also important historical victories. We have become a full member of the most powerful military-political alliance in the world, and we have brought European integration to its final stage. Montenegro will soon become a full member of the European Union.

Despite global turmoil and frequent regional tensions, we have preserved the most sacred value of Montenegrin society: interfaith and multiethnic harmony. This is, above all, the merit of citizens who, in critical moments, demonstrated responsibility worthy of their ancestors. It is our obligation to continue building a state of citizens, whose patriotism is measured by a responsible attitude towards its history, towards its laws and towards its future generations.

From the restoration of independence to the democratic changes of August 2020, a historic chance to truly democratize Montenegro was unfortunately missed. Instead of independent institutions, we got a state captured by political calculations, corruption, and organized crime.

The ultimate consequence of such a situation was the halting of our European path. In such an environment, a deeply unjust society was formed: on one side there was a small group of "transition winners", and on the other the vast majority of citizens condemned to minimal wages and pensions. It is precisely the picture of social and institutional erosion from December 2020 that is the most powerful reminder of why radical reforms and the return of the state to the citizens are a historical imperative.

After the changes of 2020, we have begun the process of healing the state and society. Important reforms have been launched to build independent institutions, fight crime and corruption, and raise living standards. Personnel changes in the prosecution and judiciary, as well as the Europe Now program, have laid the foundations for a vision of a fairer and richer Montenegro, aimed at accelerated membership in the EU.

Summing up the results of what we have achieved after the democratic changes, we must be honest: a lot has been done, but more needs to be done, especially when it comes to eliminating negative practices from the past.

At the beginning of my mandate, I set an ambitious but achievable goal: Montenegro in the European Union by 2028. Becoming a member of the EU in 2028 would carry with it extraordinary symbolism. As we approach the 150th anniversary of international recognition at the Congress of Berlin, it is time for another great victory - a European one.

Therefore, the final stage of the European path must not be accompanied by a mere "knitting" of obligations, but by a fundamental transformation of society in accordance with European values. Montenegro should not enter the European Union as the last in line, but as an orderly, just, solidary and economically strong state.

European Montenegro is being built through knowledge, work and responsibility. That is why it is time to talk about ideas whose implementation will lead us to the final goal.

The future of Montenegro must rest on a radical reform of the political and social system, starting with the introduction of direct democracy and open lists that return the power of decision-making to the citizens. At the same time, an efficient judiciary instead of statute of limitations cases, as well as the confiscation of illegally acquired property, must send a clear message about the rule of law. At the heart of a successful Montenegro must be a strengthened family, protected by constitutional guarantees such as a non-working Sunday and supported through housing support for young people.

Economic revival must involve a dynamic investment cycle and infrastructural connectivity across the country. The goal must be an economy in which sustainable growth in wages and pensions is accompanied by real purchasing power, with a resolute fight against inflation that must not undo the progress made. At the same time, the state must return to its ecological roots, protecting resources from devastation and preserving the coastline as a common good, while through a stronger agri-budget, the countryside and agriculture must be affirmed as pillars of economic sustainability and demographic renewal.

A more humane approach must be reflected in efficient healthcare, which reduces waiting lists, introduces key services such as PET/CT centers, and puts public health ahead of profit.

Such a system must build on a modern educational program focused on practical knowledge and critical thinking, thereby preparing young people for global challenges.

Finally, Montenegro draws its strength from its unbreakable ties with the diaspora, whose economic and human potential must be actively integrated into the development of the homeland through new models of cooperation and trust.

The past two decades have been years of democratic maturation, but also of missed opportunities from which we must learn a lesson. May the next two decades be years of true prosperity. May knowledge, talent, excellence and work become the main engines of our development.

Let's build a Montenegro that our children will be proud of, just as we are proud of its freedom, its name, and its duration today.

Long live Montenegro!

The author is the President of Montenegro